The confidence of the Sea Eagles is sky high after a morale-boosting 8-0 victory against the reigning premiers at Allianz Stadium last Friday night.
Despite losing Glenn Stewart early through concussion, and without brother Brett Stewart, the Sea Eagles managed to avenge the disappointment of last year's grand final loss to the Roosters and head into this Sunday's clash with the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.
The Tigers are a vastly improved football team and have showed already this season - with victories over Gold Coast and South Sydney - that they are capable of mixing it with the competition heavyweights.
They also return to Leichhardt Oval for the first time this season, a ground that usually inspires the Tigers to go that extra mile when they play at the historic venue.
The Sea Eagles have played at Leichhardt Oval against the joint venture club on five occasions and have only twice walked away with the two points.
However Manly's recent record against the joint-venture club is impressive, winning four of their last five matches - including both matches last year.
Prop Jason King will make his return after a one game suspension for a shoulder charge on young Eels forward Peni Terepo in round three, and is named on an extended bench that includes the returning James Hasson (virus), Jamie Buhrer, Dunamis Lui and Jesse Sene-Leafao
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The Tigers will be buoyed by the return of Liam Fulton, who missed last Saturday's loss to the Warriors in Wellington with concussion.
Fullback James Tedesco has been named despite leaving the field against the Warriors the same injury as above.
The Sea Eagles boast the second best defensive record in the NRL, having conceded just 53 points in four games.
However Manly's attack is only the 15th best in the NRL at present, having posted just 66 points to start the year.
The Wests Tigers have the second best attacking record in the competition (109 points) but the worst defensive record (114 points).
